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Risks from Immediate Bilateral Reconstruction

asked 1 year ago by 8534anon in Edison, NJ
Latest answer by Paul S. Gill, MD
Question viewed 184 times
Tags: female, smoking

Does immediate bilateral reconstruction poise additional risks for a smoker? 

5 answers to Risks from Immediate Bilateral Reconstruction

+1

Immediate Breast Reconstruction in a Smoker

I would recommend delaying your reconstruction until you can be off cigarettes for 2 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after surgery.  Breast Reconstruction is elective surgery.   As your surgeon, I have the duty to provide you with the safest procedure with minimal risk and downtime.  Active smoking carries too high a risk to consider immediate reconstruction.  Consult with your primary care physician to determine the optimal smoking cessation aid for you.   I... more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks from immediate bilateral reconstruction

Yes smokers have a higher statistical risks of skin necrosis and infection. You should discuss in detail with the reconstructive surgeon so you are informed. From MIAMI DR. B
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smoking GREATLY increases Complications of Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Smoking, either first or second degree, is associated with a decreased amount of blood flow through the skin. Immediate breast reconstruction in smokers has a significant rate of complications which could be otherwise decreased or avoided.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction and smoker

Smoking increases the complication rate of surgery in some studies by more than 50% as compared to the non-smoking population.  I would stop smoking first.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smooking and surgery

There is a risk of wound healing with or without immediate breast reconstruction. The degree of risk varies with the method of reconstruction. I would not do an immediate breast reconstruction on a smooker. Skin flaps can die, Flaps can die. WHY TAKE THE RISK????????????????????????//
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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